When the day drags on longer than expected and the fridge looks less inspiring than usual, that’s exactly when this air fryer shrimp with Italian seasoning steps in like a little kitchen hero. It’s one of those meals that feels like you spent ages preparing but really, it’s just a few minutes of tossing shrimp in a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, then letting the air fryer do the rest. The result? Juicy shrimp with a crisp edge, kissed by garlic and herbs, and a hint of heat that sneaks up just enough to keep things interesting.
I remember the first time I made this, I was halfway distracted by a phone call and almost forgot to shake the basket halfway through cooking — but honestly, that little slip didn’t ruin the dish at all. In fact, it made me realize how forgiving this recipe is. The aroma of basil, oregano, and rosemary filled the kitchen in a way that instantly lifted my mood, and the squeeze of lemon at the end brought everything together with a bright, fresh note. It wasn’t fancy, but it felt like a small celebration after a long day.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s fast — the whole thing comes together in under 20 minutes, which is great for busy evenings.
- The Italian seasoning blend is classic but versatile, giving the shrimp a nuanced flavor without overwhelming it.
- Using the air fryer keeps the shrimp tender but with a slight crispness you don’t usually get from pan-cooking.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or ingredients you won’t find at your local grocery.
- It’s easy to adjust the heat level by tweaking the red pepper flakes, so you can keep it mild or add a little kick.
If you’re worried about overcooking shrimp or if your air fryer is new territory, don’t sweat it — shrimp cook so quickly that it’s almost impossible to mess up. Just keep an eye on the timing, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly cooked bites every time.
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Air Fryer Shrimp with Italian Seasoning
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful air fryer shrimp recipe seasoned with a classic Italian blend, perfect for a healthy and delicious meal in minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, dried thyme, crushed dried rosemary, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form the Italian seasoning blend.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until all shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. Shrimp should be opaque and slightly crispy on the edges when done.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a medium-sized air fryer basket, which fits the shrimp comfortably in a single layer. If your basket is on the smaller side, you might need to do two batches, but that’s okay because it keeps the shrimp crispier. For serving, a simple side of garlic butter pasta or a fresh salad works beautifully. If you want to mix things up, sometimes I swap dried rosemary for a pinch of fennel seed, or add a little smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, but honestly, the original blend is hard to beat. Also, if you like a garlicky punch, adding a bit of fresh minced garlic right before tossing the shrimp in the air fryer can be a nice touch — just don’t overdo it or it might burn.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to get that crisp edge.
How spicy is this recipe? It has a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily reduce or omit them based on your preference.
Can I double the recipe? You can, but cook in batches so the shrimp aren’t crowded, or they won’t crisp up properly.
Give this Italian-seasoned air fryer shrimp a try next time dinner feels like a rush. It’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying enough to make you forget all about the chaos of the day. Save it, print it, and keep it close — your busy weeknights will thank you.